Great Movie Ride Update: TCM Revamp and New Ending (2015)

A Classic Attraction Gets a Modern Makeover

The Great Movie Ride is one of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ original gems, debuting on May 1, 1989. This iconic attraction traces its roots back to the very creation of the park itself. While that origin story is worth its own dedicated blog post, this entry focuses on a major update that brought new life to the ride in 2015.

In 2014, Disney partnered with Turner Classic Movies (TCM) to refresh and sponsor the attraction. That collaboration led to a series of improvements, including a revamped pre-show, updated narration, and most notably, a completely redone post-show video montage.

What Changed with the TCM Sponsorship?

The ride’s queue area received some nice visual upgrades, with animated movie posters and a longer, more engaging pre-show loop. But the real magic happened at the end of the ride. For longtime fans, the post-show montage has always been a nostalgic highlight—an emotional cinematic tribute to the power of movies.

With the TCM update came a fully digital projection system, allowing for crisper, brighter visuals and a far more seamless experience. While many of the iconic clips remain, the montage now includes a wider array of film scenes, both classic and modern, showcasing a broader history of cinema.

The New Montage: What’s Different?

While the pre-TCM montage was magical, it had begun to show its age. The 2015 version, backed by digital projection and TCM’s curation, brings fresh energy and scope. More recent movies—like Pirates of the Caribbean and Finding Nemo—are seamlessly blended into the reel, offering fans a look at evolving storytelling.

The final moment of the ride now leads into a new photo opportunity, where guests can “put their hands in the stars”—a fun nod to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and a perfect spot for a commemorative snapshot.

A Side-by-Side Look in the Video

For those interested in comparing the old with the new, I created a video that features both the 2014 and 2015 versions of the post-show montage. You’ll find them back-to-back, highlighting just how much the update has enhanced the ride without sacrificing its nostalgic charm.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Great Movie Ride or experiencing it for the first time, the 2015 update offers a fresh yet familiar take on a Disney classic.

You might also like the recent updates to Test Track over at Epcot. I like to call it Test Track 2.0

For More from Disney Hollywood Studios be sure to check out. Osborne Lights. New Years Eve Fireworks. 5 things we miss, Club Disney. Jingle Bell Jingle Bam. Music of Pixar Live. Wonderful World of Animation. The Dream Comes True. Galaxy’s Edge. Mickey and Minnies Run Aways Railway the Story. The Ride and The Merchandise. The Great Movie Ride. The Great Move ride ending. Star Wars Fireworks. Movie Magic. Lightning McQueen Racing Academy.